This scene was all to familiar since it followed the July 3rd Riverwest incident. As with the previous incident, the conduct exhibited by the youths in this incident is unacceptable and intolerable. Further, as we stated with respect to the earlier incident, to the extent that racial slurs or epithets were used during the incidents or individuals were targeted on the basis of race, the NAACP reiterates its strong objections to such race-based conduct whenever it occurs.
Almost everyone has a view as to what the problems are and some have views on what the proposed solutions should entail. It is clear that it will take a comprehensive approach.
We must come together as a community to identify root causes, propose solutions, develop approaches, secure resources and implement the actions necessary to address the situation.
NAACP is prepared to work with others and the community in this effort as it will require “all hands on deck” in connection with this effort. It is not constructive to make excuses or play the “blame game.” To quote Dr. King, “Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see.”
James Hall, President
NAACP – Milwaukee Branch